Contestants all set for Miss Heritage Pageant

Persons planning to attend the 2011 Scotia Bank National Secondary Schools’ Miss Heritage Pageant on Saturday, October 29, should expect nothing less than the best in talent,{{more}} creativity, culture and beauty.

That assurance was given by the nine participants during an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Monday, October 24, at the Grenadine House.

Dressed in cultural attire and slashes, the nine young ladies were individually interviewed on the patio of the hotel.

They all expressed confidence about their upcoming performance, stating they did not enter the pageant only to win, but to gain the exposure, experience and self-confidence as well as to get the opportunity to showcase their talent to the public.

The girls began training in February and have been engaged in a number of sessions which include dealing with stress, time management and conflict resolution.

According to the young ladies, these sessions have helped them to balance their studies while preparing for the show.

There was also a friendly atmosphere among the girls, and this evident from the way they spoke of each other when asked about the relationship among them.

Meanwhile, in relation to preparations for the event, secretary for the pageant’s planning committee Krystal Robertson said that “it was very hectic.”

“We want to make sure that the girls are ready, and we want to make sure the patrons get an exciting and thrilling show at the Victoria Park.

“We have been working along steadily with the Ministry of Culture and the National Lotteries Authority to ensure the Victoria Park is ready for the staging of the pageant,” she added.

Robertson also explained that the girls were scheduled to hold their final training session on Wednesday, October 26, and a dress rehearsal on Friday, October 28.

“They will be spending the Friday night at the Grenadine House, and this is one way of helping them to relax before the pageant…

“Then on Saturday, we will transport them to the Victoria Park for the big show. Following the show, the girls will return to the hotel to celebrate their achievements, because they all will have achieved something on the night of the 29th,” she added.

In addition to the first, second and third places, the contestants will be awarded for: Best Ambassadorial Speech, Best Talent, Best Cultural Wear, Best Interview, Best Promotional Video, Most Community Spirited, Amity and Special Attendance Award.

Taking part in the pageant are: Georgetown Secondary – Chelsia Burke; George Stephens Senior Secondary – Bervena Simmons; Intermediate High – Chereesa Jacobs; St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown – Precious Abraham; St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua – Turphanie Davis; Girls’ High School – Anya Frederick; West St. George Secondary – Lystra Burgin; Union Island Secondary – Britney John; Thomas Saunders Secondary – Jonique Chance.